Uchiha Jun sat on the main seat, picked up the tea cup, took a sip, and then put it down.
The expression on his face was always calm - he was neither surprised by the generous gift nor arrogant because of the other person's respect.
He said in a calm tone, "Clan Chief Cong Yun is interested, please sit down."
Then Uchiha Jun paused, glanced around Kurama Murakumo, and added, "After some time, Anbu's captain Shinnosuke will also retire. I think you, Chief Cong Yun, have good strength. I think this Anbu Captain belongs to you."
After saying this, Kurama Murakumo's face instantly showed a flattered expression, and he was so excited that he almost knelt down on the spot.
"Thank you, Lord Chun, for your cultivation! Cong Yun will definitely live up to your expectations!"
The other people present looked at Kurama Murakumo with unabashed jealousy.
As the saying goes, one emperor and one courtier, Orochimaru has only succeeded Fourth Hokage for two days now. Once Sarutobi Hiruzen retires, Uchiha Jun will definitely put Anbu in order.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke, who originally served as the captain of Anbu's team, naturally had to step down and make way for others.
The position of Anbu Captain is like holding a golden sign in Konoha. It will be a qualitative leap in terms of intelligence and status in the ninja clan.
Although they knew that Uchiha Jun wanted to use this 'birthday party' to show off, they all thought it would be great to give Kurama Murakumo the position of team leader of Anbu.
After all, Uchiha Jun is not from a commoner background, but behind him is Uchiha Clan, who is now truly the Konoha's largest family.
No matter what happens, this Anbu Captain seat must be given to me, right?
Damn it, Kurama Murakumo, this licking dog, not only got personal guidance from Uchiha Jun, and was able to practice the family secret technique, but now he has gained both fame and fortune.
--What the hell kind of luck is this!
The clan leaders of the various ninja clans around looked at each other, and their plans began to change rapidly.
The gift list originally prepared seemed... a bit too "light".
For a time, the heads of the major ninja clans communicated with the clan members around them, preparing to make temporary bets.
And Hyuga Clan was just as Uchiha Fugaku expected, no one showed up, and no gift orders were given. The attitude is self-evident.
As for Ino-Shika-Cho Clans, the gifts brought by the clan leaders were obviously much thicker than those prepared before - obviously the result of the temporary increase just now.
Nara Shikaku sighed helplessly. He could naturally see what this so-called 'birthday party' was.
But what if you see through it? Even if you see through it, nothing will change...
The situation is stronger than the person.
Although Ino-Shika-Cho was highly used during Sarutobi Hiruzen's administration, now, after experiencing a war, Uchiha Clan's power has become deeply rooted in Konoha under the operation of Uchiha Jun.
Not to mention that recently, Uchiha Fugaku seems to be in close contact with people from the Daimyo Palace.
In addition, it is confirmed that Orochimaru will succeed Fourth Hokage. In just one or two days, it is time for them to find a new home...
You can't wait until Uchiha Jun puts a knife to his neck before saying soft words, right?
By then, let alone eating meat, you won't even be able to drink soup!
Besides, there is no fundamental conflict between them and Uchiha Clan. It is better to put down your body and go visit a pier than to be pressed to the ground and rubbed as a thorn.
Just as he was thinking about it, Nara Shikaku saw Kurama Murakumo sitting down in front of Uchiha Jun, then sitting down calmly under Uchiha Jun, with a smile as bright as a chrysanthemum on his face.
Times make heroes. Once upon a time, Ino-Shika-Cho Clans, the most hardcore of the Sarutobi Hiruzen series, was envied by other ninjas like this...
Nara Shikaku retracted his gaze, sighed, and whispered to the Nara Clan tribesmen behind him, "Go and get the complete set of cultivation scrolls from the warehouse... that set of 'Shadow Stitching Technique'."
"Clan leader?! That's our Nara Clan..."
"I know." Nara Shikaku interrupted him, with a hint of exhaustion in his tone, "But the situation is stronger than the person, and you have to bleed when it's time to bleed."
"Yes..." The tribesmen responded and left.
This scene also happened in the camps of the Yamanaka Clan and Akimichi Clan.
The heads of the ninja clans present here are all old foxes who have been immersed in Konoha politics for decades. If they still don't understand the deeper meaning of this birthday party, then their lives have been in vain all these years.
Uchiha Jun This is "tax collection".
Not money, but a "loyalty tax."
If you are willing to pay tribute, it will be easy to say. From now on, everyone will be harmonious and have a share of meat and soup.
Unwilling...
Everyone looked at the empty seats of the Hyuga Clan and thought to themselves: Then they can only ask for their own blessings.
As time went by, more and more guests took their seats, and when noon was approaching, the courtyard was already bustling with people.
The heads of the various ninja clans greeted each other and drank wine, creating a peaceful scene.
But under that peace, only they themselves know how many people are sincere and how many are reluctant.
Uchiha Jun was sitting in the main seat, his eyes swept across the audience, taking in the expressions of everyone.
Some are scared, some are flattering, some are nervous...
He was very satisfied.
This is the effect he wants.
The transfer of power is never completed amidst laughter.
Only in the soil of awe and fear can new power take root and sprout.
At this time, there was a commotion outside the door.
"Lord Jiraiya arrived--!"
A loud voice came from the door, breaking the noise in the hall.
Everyone's eyes turned to the door at the same time.
I saw a tall man with white hair shawl striding in - it was Toad Sage Jiraiya, one of Sannin.
He wore a red coat, Forehead Protector with the word "oil" written on his forehead, and had that iconic, carefree smile on his face.
Behind him, there was a young man with blond hair and blue eyes - Namikaze Minato.
"Hey! I heard today is Jun-jun's birthday? I'm here to join in the fun!"
Jiraiya Earth Flow entered the main hall, completely ignoring the ninja clan leaders around him who saluted him, walked straight to Uchiha Jun, took out a scroll from his arms, and threw it on the table.
"Here, here is a gift - Toad Oil, a special product of Mount Myōboku. When applied to the skin, it can enhance chakra perception. It is a small gadget."
He said "gadgets", but all the ninjas present knew that Toad Oil was not something you could just get - it was Mount Myōboku's specialty.
Only Jiraiya who signed a contract with Holy Land Mount Myōboku can get it.
Uchiha Jun took the scroll, glanced at it, then raised his head and nodded to Jiraiya: "Senior Jiraiya is interested."
In return, he flicked his finger and a bottle of Compound No. 1 flew towards Jiraiya.
Jiraiya took the bottle, opened it and smelled it, then raised his eyebrows. "Is this... the secret medicine your kid made?"
"Well, the latest batch just came out of the laboratory, the effect is much better than the previous batch. It is suitable for high-intensity combat ninjas like you."
When Jiraiya heard this, the smile on his face became even thicker, and he sat down on the chair closest to Uchiha Jun.
"You are really interesting, if you need my help in the future, just ask!"
Namikaze Minato also came forward, holding an exquisite wooden box in his hand, and bowed slightly. "Chunjun, this is a little bit of my heart--it's not something expensive, but I hope you like it."
He opened the wooden box, and inside was a finely crafted Kunai - not an ordinary Kunai, but a specially forged Kunai with a miniature Sealing Jutsu pattern engraved on it.
Uchiha Jun took it and looked at it carefully, then a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes. "Flying Thunder God's technique?"
"Yes." Namikaze Minato smiled and nodded, "I engraved Flying Thunder God's coordinate formula on it. If you are in danger, you can use it to call me."
He said it lightly, but the weight behind this gift - a promise of support from Flying Thunder God ninja - even a fool can feel its preciousness.
The expressions on the faces of the ninja clan chiefs present were even more exciting.
Jiraiya and Namikaze Minato - one of Sannin and "Yellow Flash" of Konoha - came to celebrate Uchiha Jun's birthday at the same time. Looking at the entire Konoha, except for the third generation Hokage, who else can get this treatment?
As for why Orochimaru, who is Uchiha Jun's master, was not present, he probably thought that Uchiha Jun's magnanimity was enough to suppress the entire audience.
The hustle and bustle of the birthday party gradually dissipated in the afternoon sunshine.
Konoha The chiefs of the major ninja clans left one after another. Ino-Shika-Cho Clans walked side by side. Aburame Clan and Inuzuka Clan talked in low voices. Kurama Clan, the reclusive patriarch Kurama Murakumo, also walked out of Uchiha Clan Grounds's door with a group of "younger brothers" Earth Flow with red faces.
On the surface, this birthday party is just an ordinary party.
But everyone knows it--
This is a reshuffle of power.
Uchiha Jun, this young boy who is only twelve or thirteen years old, used a birthday party to announce his existence to the entire Konoha.
However, there was one detail that all the ninjas present secretly paid attention to--
Hyuga Clan, No one is coming.
It wasn't that he was late or that he didn't send someone to deliver gifts, but that he was completely absent.
Didn't even bring a message.
This information, like a pebble thrown into a pond, caused ripples in the hearts of the ninja clan leaders.
After the banquet, in Uchiha Clan Grounds, the servants were clearing away the leftovers from the table.
Uchiha Fugaku stood under the eaves of the corridor, frowning, and his eyes glanced in the direction of Hyuga Clan Compound from time to time.
His fingers trembled slightly in his sleeves - not because of nervousness, but because of an indescribable excitement.
"Chunjun, over there Hyuga Clan..."
He turned around and looked at Uchiha Jun who was sitting on the edge of the corridor, slowly sipping after-dinner tea.
Uchiha Jun put down the teacup, stood up, and patted the non-existent dust on his clothes.
"Just in time, I was worried that I couldn't find a reason to visit them."
A smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.
"Hyuga Clan, relying on Byakugan's insight, has been pretending to be a 'Konoha rich family' all these years, without even giving Sarutobi Hiruzen much face."
"Today I want to see how hard their bones are!"
"Let's go!"
Uchiha Fugaku heard this and his pupils shrank slightly.
He heard the undisguised murderous intent in Uchiha Jun's words--
It's not physical destruction, but the complete crushing of power and dignity.
At the same time, Hyuga Clan Compound is deep inside.
The atmosphere in the conference hall was extremely dull.
Hyuga Hiashi was sitting on the main seat, with his hands on his knees, his knuckles turning white from the exertion.
On the long table in front of him was a pile of unsent congratulatory gifts - gilded lacquerware, exquisite scrolls, and a respectful letter of congratulations.
These things should have been delivered to Uchiha Jun's residence by him and Hizashi Hyuga in the morning.
As a 'symbol' of surrender.
But now, they are still lying here quietly, like a pile of waste that no one cares about.
"Elder Tian," Hyuga Hiashi's voice was filled with suppressed anger, "Are you sure you want to do this?"
Sitting opposite him was an old man with half-white hair and a gloomy face - Hyuga Clan Main Family Great Elder, Hyuga Ten.
Although he is already half a century old, decades of political experience and arrogance carved into his bones are reflected deep in his eyes.
Hyuga Ten picked up the tea cup, took a slow sip, and then slowly said, "Hiashi, you are still too young."
"That kid Uchiha Jun is just relying on Third Shinobi World War's military exploits to show off his power in the village."
"I, Hyuga Clan, came from Warring States Era, and survived several Shinobi World Wars, so why should I bow to a young boy?"
A thin layer of cold sweat broke out on Hyuga Hiashi's forehead. "But Elder Tian, Uchiha Jun's strength... He killed Eight-Tails Jinchuriki in the front line, captured Two-Tails Jinchuriki alive, and even Raikage, Tsuchikage, and Mizukage couldn't get any advantage from him!"
"This kind of power is already stronger than the third generation Hokage..."
"So what?" Hyuga Ten's voice suddenly rose, "Byakugan's strategic value is inseparable from the entire Konoha!"
"When the three generations of Hokage were in power, they all had to give us Hyuga Clan three points! Does he, Uchiha Jun, dare to attack us Hyuga Clan?"
"He is not Hokage yet!"
Hyuga Hiashi opened his mouth to refute, but in the end it turned into a bitter sigh.
The arrogance of Hyuga Ten is not only the arrogance of an individual, but also the arrogance of the entire Main Family elders.
These old guys who have enjoyed privileges for too long don't take Uchiha Jun seriously at all.
They all plan to gain fame and reputation, and plan to use the Hyuga Clan "neutral faction" plaque to take advantage of Uchiha Jun.
The bet is that Orochimaru will succeed Fourth Hokage. The foothold is unstable, and Uchiha Jun dare not use the knife on the Hyuga Clan!
When Uchiha Jun has the ability to go under the knife, Hyuga Clan will kneel down peacefully. Although it will cost a little bit of face, the advantage is that it will really tighten the mouth.
"Elder Tian, if Uchiha Jun really comes to your door..."
"Then I will go out and meet him in person."
Hyuga Ten put down the tea cup, a cold light flashed in his eyes, "I want to see how much trouble a junior with no hair can make!"
"... If this Uchiha Jun is unreasonable and takes action, Hiashi you don't need to worry about me, just put all the 'sin' on me."
"It's just death, just think of it as for the family!"
"... Oh, I get it."
Looking at Hyuga Ten who had already realized something in front of him, Hyuga Hiashi could only sigh helplessly.
Although the elders cannot clearly see the situation, their loyalty to the family is still worthy of recognition.
This time, it can be considered a hedging bet.
The afternoon sun shines on the Naka River sparkling river.
Uchiha Jun walked in front, walking unhurriedly, as if he was just out for a walk.
Uchiha Fugaku was half a step behind him, with a complicated look on his face.
The two of them did not bring any entourage behind them.
But Uchiha Fugaku knew that on the road leading to Hyuga Clan Compound, there were at least a dozen pairs of eyes from different ninja clans, watching them secretly.
"Jun Jun, are we going to be too ostentatious like this?" Uchiha Fugaku asked in a low voice.
I originally thought I was sneaking into Hyuga Clan Compound in the dark and beating up these Byakugans until they got sick.
But right now, it seems that there is a strong attitude of 'kickin' the gym'.
"Swaggering?" Uchiha Jun laughed, "Fugaku Patriarch, do you know why Hyuga Clan dare not come to the banquet?"
Uchiha Fugaku was stunned for a moment.
"Because they feel they still have bargaining power."
Uchiha Jun's voice was very soft, but with a biting chill, "Byakugan's strategic value is Hyuga Clan's last trump card."
"What I want to do is to shred this trump card in front of everyone."
"Let them know that the so-called 'strategic value' is worthless in front of me, Uchiha Clan. If you still want to make a living in 'Konoha', then just treat me like a dog to the Uchiha Clan!"
"Those who follow me will be spared the shame of those who reject me! What bullshit neutralists!"
Uchiha Fugaku took a breath - not because of fear, but because Uchiha Jun's remarks made him see a completely different political landscape.
If even Hyuga Clan can be suppressed by Uchiha Jun, then the entire Konoha--
Really no one can stop them Uchiha Clan!
It's so cool, this group of clan leaders are the leader. When Impure World Reincarnation enters the underworld, I'm afraid he will be able to straighten his back and talk to 'First' Madara Uchiha.
Oh, I almost forgot, Madara Uchiha rebelled against the clan.
Then just straighten up your back and talk to your father.
The two of them passed through the last street, and the gate of the Hyuga Clan clan came into view.
It was a three-meter-high door made entirely of hard ebony wood, with the family emblem of the Hyuga Clan carved on the lintel.
And at the door, there were already people standing in a dark place.
Main Family, the branch family, together with the young tribesmen who had just arrived from the training ground, formed a dense wall of people, blocking the entire gate.
The leader is none other than Hyuga Hiashi.
Next to him is Hyuga Branch Family, the head of the family Hizashi Hyuga.
Behind Hyuga Hiashi, Hyuga Ten was holding his hands behind his back, looking at Uchiha Jun approaching with a gloomy expression.
The air solidified at this moment.
Deep in the woods, several figures hidden in the darkness were observing the confrontation in their own ways.
"Master Shikaku, Uchiha Jun really went to Hyuga Clan Compound."
A Anbu Ninja wearing an animal mask knelt on one knee in front of Nara Shikaku and reported in a low voice.
Nara Shikaku leaned behind the tree, with his hands in his sleeves and an expression on his face that said, "It's just as I expected."
"Akimichi, tell me, who will win in this game?" He turned to look at Akimichi Choza beside him.
Akimichi Choza held a bag of potato chips in his hand, but he completely forgot to eat it at the moment. "It's hard to say, Hyuga Clan's old guys are not easy to mess with."
"But Uchiha Jun..." Nara Shikaku's eyes became profound, "That's a person who can even kill Shimura Danzō."
"The magnanimity of this kind of person is beyond the imagination of those old antiques like Hyuga Clan."
Nara Shikaku paused, with a rare hint of admiration in his voice. "It seems that Konoha's world is really going to change."
Hyuga Clan Compound door.
Uchiha Jun stopped and glanced at the wall of people.
"Hiashi Patriarch, long time no see."
Uchiha Jun's voice was calm and clear, as if it was just daily greetings.
But Hyuga Hiashi could hear that there was an unsettling calmness in that voice.
"Jun Jun..." Hyuga Hiashi took a deep breath and suppressed the uneasiness in his heart, "I wonder what you are doing with your visit today?"
"It's no big deal."
Uchiha Jun put his hands in his pockets and spoke in a casual tone, as if he was chatting about ordinary things. "Today is my birthday. Fugaku clan leader also sent invitations to all the major ninja clans. Why didn't Hyuga Clan receive it?"
As soon as these words came out, the whole place fell silent.
Hyuga Hiashi's mouth twitched.
Of course he knew about the invitation.
The invitation letter is now lying intact on the long table in the conference hall, gathering dust together with all the congratulatory gifts.
"Junjun, this..."
"Hmph!"
Before Hyuga Hiashi finished speaking, Hyuga Ten behind him snorted and strode forward.
"I received the invitation letter, what's wrong? If I don't want to go, how dare you force me to do so?"
Hyuga Ten's tone was filled with undisguised arrogance and contempt. "You are just a junior, so what if you send an invitation letter? I, Hyuga Clan, even if I don't go, what will happen?"
Before he finished speaking, the smile on Uchiha Jun's face suddenly disappeared.
His gaze became as sharp as a knife, and an invisible sense of oppression enveloped the entire entrance of Hyuga Clan Compound like a substance.
Several young Hyuga Branch Family ninjas have taken a step back involuntarily.
"Junior?"
"Old guy, how many years have you been fighting on the battlefield?"
"Have you ever beaten Raikage? Have you ever killed Jinchuriki? You loser!"
"Without my efforts, how could Konoha win consecutively? The peace that Konoha has today is all due to me!"
Uchiha Jun's voice suddenly rose in pitch, like thunder. "I, the majestic Konoha hero, have become a junior in the eyes of an old guy like you!"
"Can it be said that we heroes who fought bloody battles on the front line will still be bullied by you old people when we return to the village?"
When these words came out, Hyuga Ten's face instantly turned livid.
The surrounding Hyuga Clan people also changed their colors - Uchiha Jun's words directly put a big hat on him.
Damn it, Shimura Danzō has never been criticized like this before, why is there a more powerful one here!?
"You... you are talking nonsense!" Hyuga Ten's voice trembled, "I just... just don't think it is necessary to attend your banquet!"
"No need?" Uchiha Jun sneered, "Or do you, Hyuga Ten, think that I, Uchiha Jun, am not worthy of letting you participate?"
"Let's just say--"
His voice suddenly lowered, but with a more deadly deterrent. "You Hyuga Ten, harbor evil intentions and intend to split Konoha?"
"You...!"
Hyuga Ten opened his mouth, but found that he could not refute at all.
Uchiha Jun's words, every word struck a vital chord in him.
If he continues to speak harshly, it will be "splitting Konoha"; if he gives in, it will be tantamount to admitting his stupidity in front of many Hyuga Clan people.
A thin layer of cold sweat broke out on Hyuga Ten's forehead.
At this moment, Uchiha Jun moved.